The Galaxy Nexus 4G is dead. Long live the Galaxy Nexus 4G. Yes, one of the most successful Verizon Wireless handsets of recent memory is finally being retired. This was the very first and only Nexus smartphone for Verizon, who partnered with Google to deliver the 4G LTE version of Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus. Very few smartphones can last over a year in the competitive and rapidly changing smartphone marketplace, but the Verizon Galaxy Nexus 4G is definitely one of those handsets.
When it arrived way back in November of 2011 on the US Verizon 4G LTE system, it delivered one of the largest displays and one of the highest resolutions of any smartphone screen. Fast forward 14 months later, and the Verizon Galaxy Nexus 4G still ranks at the high-end of the smartphone marketplace in both of those regards. The device was also memorable for delivering a full 32 GB of built-in data storage, 1.0 GB of RAM system memory and introducing the Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) 4.0 Android operating system to the United States.
The Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE rapidly became Verizon’s flagship Android handset, and millions of units have been sold. When it first launched it sold out completely in physical Verizon retail stores as well as the online Verizon retail outlet. It appeared to be a perfect marriage, matching online Goliath Google with wireless carrier powerhouse Verizon. However, the relationship between Verizon and Google in 2012 became strained over certain practices which the two companies did not see eye to eye on.
Google ships out its Nexus smartphones with a stock Android experience. They then promise subsequent and rapid releases of software and operating system upgrades. However, Verizon consistently released over the air updates for the Galaxy Nexus late, both in the eyes of Google as well as Galaxy Nexus owners. This is probably the reason why Google and Verizon have not continued their partnership with the new Nexus 4. While Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus may no longer be available, any current owners have no worries.
The handset was and is extremely popular, and the development community treat it with respect and loyalty. If you currently own the Verizon Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE smartphone, you should continue to receive applications and support, with the speedy dual core processor, large high-resolution screen and NFC wireless support providing a pleasant experience with the Jelly Bean 4.1 operating system on board. As soon as we hear word of Verizon releasing a new smart phone to replace the Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE, we will post it here in this column, so check back frequently for smartphone news and updates.
